FRA/FTA Return-to-Duty Program

Our team at Return to Duty supports individuals in the railroad and transit industries in rebuilding their professional lives after a ailed or refused drug or alcohol test.

Regain Your Role, Restore Your Career: Expert SAP Guidance for Rail and Transit Workers

When you’re facing a failed or refused drug or alcohol test, the road ahead may seem bleak. However, you’re not alone. Backed by national DOT credentials, the SAPs here at Return to Duty guide you through every phase of the FRA and FTA return-to-work process, enabling you to get back to your job safely and with confidence. 

Take the First Step Back to Work

How the FRA & FTA Return-to-Duty Process Works

You’re currently in a state of flux, but the next steps are clear and structured, allowing you to return to your safety-sensitive position with efficiency and full compliance. With the highest standards of safety at the forefront, our team of SAPs helps you navigate through every step of the FRA and FTA return-to-duty process.


We work closely with a wide range of professionals in the railroad and transit industries, including:

 

  • Engineers

  • Conductors

  • Operators

  • Train Dispatchers

  • Roadway Workers

  • Security Personnel

  • Vehicle Mechanics
Start Your Journey

Our Process is Comprehensive and Designed for Your Success:

1. Schedule Your First Virtual Evaluation

Getting started is simple with our user-friendly calendar. Your initial evaluation is conducted online with a DOT-qualified SAP from the comfort of your home. During this appointment, we’ll complete a personalized assessment to understand your situation and outline your next steps in the return-to-duty process. 

2. Receive a Structured Plan

Once your evaluation is complete, you’ll receive a plan in alignment with FRA, FTA, and DOT regulations, meant to help you meet the necessary requirements and get back to work.

3. Fulfill Your DOT-Required Education & Training

At this point, you’ll complete your DOT-mandated education, counseling, or treatment program. Virtual appointments are often available, making it easy to fulfill your requirements from anywhere. In certain cases, however, in-person visits are required.


Important Note

It’s worth noting that you pay the treatment provider directly. These costs are separate from our service fees and are handled between you and the provider. We do not receive any compensation from specific programs, testing sites, or third-party administrators, ensuring our recommendations are always unbiased and based solely on what’s best for you.

4. Schedule Follow-Up and SAP Evaluation

When you’ve finished your prescribed education, counseling, or treatment program, it’s time for your final evaluation. During this virtual appointment, your SAP will review your progress and confirm that you’ve successfully completed all required steps. If everything is in order, your SAP will prepare and send a compliance report to your employer (or future employer). 

5. Return to Duty and Follow-Up Testing

Following your final evaluation, your employer will schedule a return-to-duty drug test. A negative result is required to get back to work in a safety-sensitive position. 


FRA and FTA regulations require follow-up testing, which your SAP will supervise.

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Compassionate Team of SAP Evaluators

As a veteran-owned business, we understand the importance of discipline and respect, while also recognizing the value of compassion. Our skilled SAPs combine expertise with empathy, guiding you through the return-to-duty process with clarity and care, helping you return to your passion in a safe and effective way. 

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Virtual SAP Evaluations. Nationwide Support

All SAP evaluations are conducted 100% virtually, providing you with flexibility and ease. Partner with our nationally licensed team to restore your work status and move forward with confidence. 

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Affordable Pricing Solutions

We believe that cost should never be a barrier to getting back on track. That’s why we offer transparent, competitive pricing with no hidden fees and flexible payment options. Our goal is to make the process as accessible and stress-free as possible, so you can focus on completing your return-to-duty requirements.

Common Questions About the SAP Process

  • Who needs to complete the return-to-duty process?

    Any railroad or transit employee in a DOT safety-sensitive role—such as engineers, conductors, maintenance personnel, or operators—who fails or refuses a drug or alcohol test under FRA or FTA regulations must complete the process before returning to duty.


  • How do virtual SAP evaluations work?

    All evaluations are conducted online via secure video conferencing. You can use a phone, tablet, or computer with a camera to meet with your SAP, making the process simple, private, and convenient—no in-person appointments required.


  • How long does the return-to-duty process take?

    The timeline varies based on your specific case and the education or treatment program recommended by your SAP. Some individuals complete the process in a few weeks, while others may need several months, depending on DOT requirements and program length. 


  • Who pays for the education or treatment program?

    You are responsible for paying the treatment provider directly. These costs are not included in our SAP fees. We do not receive compensation from any specific programs, ensuring that all recommendations are based solely on your needs.


  • When can I return to work?

    You may return to a safety-sensitive position only after:

    1. Completing your SAP’s recommended program
    2. Successfully passing your final evaluation
    3. Providing a negative result on your return-to-duty test

For Employers

Is Your Railroad or Transit Employee Searching for SAP Services?

When one of your employees fails or refuses a DOT-mandated drug or alcohol test, it can disrupt operations and delay projects. We partner with employers in the railroad and transit industries to guide affected employees through the FRA and FTA return-to-duty process quickly and effectively. 


Our DOT-qualified SAPs handle evaluations, education and treatment recommendations, and final clearance steps, ensuring your team member meets all compliance requirements before returning to safety-sensitive duties. With virtual evaluations, fast scheduling, and ongoing communication, we help minimize downtime and keep your projects moving forward safely.

Get in Touch

Trusted SAP Guidance for FRA & FTA Employees

From sidelined to on track, you’ll gain clarity and actionable next steps to get back to work quickly. With a personalized plan tailored to your unique circumstances, we at Return to Duty guide you through the SAP process, helping you regain confidence, meet requirements, and return to work with the assurance of full support. 


The path to a fresh start in your FRA or FTA career begins here. Schedule your initial evaluation today.

Redefine Your Future